He Kākano: Marmite & Honey – Q Theatre Loft: March 14, 2026 (13th Floor Theatre Review)
He Kākano: Marmite & Honey takes a wonderful play on all family dynamics, the good the bad…the sweet and salty relationships and layers that all families experience.
First time play writer Rainton Oneroa is part of the Auckland’s Art Festival development programme, another reading of a play prepatory to a full performance )the play is still He Kākano, “a seed”, so we don’t see action). Oneroa’s one-and-a-bit act play Marmite & Honey is a family coming together with a tangi to say goodbye to William.
Funerals in general bring families together…not always peacefully. Beneath the rituals of farewell lie years of shared history, unresolved tensions, and the complicated love that defines family.
Directed by Jason Te Kare, this deeply relatable 1st act touches a nerve with most of the audience. The laughter and (at times) the tears from the audience suggested that many in the room recognised pieces of their own families on stage. There was the familiar presence of the grumpy but loveable uncle, the chatty auntie, and the uneasy feeling of a new face being introduced into the family circle.
These moments captured how gatherings that are meant to bring people together can also leave someone feeling unexpectedly isolated.
Exploring the ways different generations experience and process grief, the play balances emotional weight with a sharp, dark sense of humour. The dialogue feels natural and authentic, capturing the awkwardness, honesty, and occasional absurdity that can arise when families come together during times of loss. Moments of humour emerge in unexpected places, offering relief while still reinforcing the emotional complexity of the situation.
One of the standout elements of the performance was the tension between the siblings. Their exchanges carried an intensity that felt both believable and uncomfortable in the best way, revealing long-buried resentments and unresolved histories. These confrontations became some of the most compelling moments on stage, particularly as the characters struggled to navigate grief while also confronting each other.
A particularly memorable scene came through a childhood flashback, which provided valuable insight into the family dynamics that shaped the characters. It offered a glimpse into the past that deepened the audience’s understanding of the present conflicts and emotional fractures.
Among the characters, the young and somewhat naive Isabella stood out as a favourite. Her perspective brought a sense of vulnerability and curiosity that contrasted with the guarded attitudes of the older characters. There is a clear sense that her journey is only beginning, and it would be fascinating to see how her character continues to grow and evolve as she becomes part of the complexities of the family, with all the weight of the grief surrounding her.
Oneroa is an emerging talent worth watching. With a natural presence across writing, music, and acting, his creative journey is only just beginning. I truly hope to be able to see this performance in its entirety one day.
Xo Ms. Peach
He Kākano: Marmite & Honey, by Rainton Oneroa, reading at Q Theatre Loft, 14 , 15 March 2025
More information here at the Auckland Arts Festivals website.
